3 Ways to Get a Flushed Object in the Closet

2024 Author: Jason Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 10:50

Accidentally flushing things down the toilet can be annoying and worrying, but it's very common. Fortunately, most toilets are designed to allow only water to pass. So, objects that are splashed will get stuck in the filter or at the bottom of the toilet. To pick it up, you can use your hands, clothes hanger wire, or a suction hose. If that doesn't work, you can use a wet vacuum, or pry through the toilet to find anything that was flushed.

Step

Method 1 of 3: Picking Up Objects from the Bottom of the Closet

Step 1. Pick up the dropped object by hand if it is still visible

If the object is still visible after the flush, you may still be able to pick it up by hand. Just put your hand in the toilet and pull it out.

To keep this process clean, put on a pair of rubber gloves before putting your hands in the toilet.
If there's a lot of water at the bottom of the toilet, it's a good idea to drain the water first with a plastic cup or a container to make things easier to pick up.
Make sure you wash your hands and any objects that were splashed thoroughly after this process is complete.

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Step 2. Use a bent clothes hanger wire to pick up the splattered object

First, take a metal hanger, then twist the knot around its neck. Straighten the hanger wire as best you can before bending the ends like a hook. After that, insert the end of the hook into the closet to pick up the dropped object.

When pushing the wire into the closet, gently touch the bottom of the toilet with the wire to prevent falling objects from getting deeper. After that, when the hook has reached the end, gently twist it while pulling it out. The hope, the object that fell will get stuck there.
Depending on the shape of the toilet strainer, you may need to bend the wire to get to the bottom of the toilet.

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Step 3. Use a suction hose if the object gets into the toilet filter

First, insert the end of the suction hose into the bottom of the toilet until you can feel the falling object or you know the exact position of the object. After that, try to pick it up by pushing the end of the hose right into the object that fell or slightly further from its position, then pull the hose back up.

If you're not sure where the object is and don't feel it when you insert the tube, push the end of the tube as deep as you can. After that, try to feel the contents of the toilet with the hose while pulling it back up.
Suction hoses are sold online and are available at most home supply stores.
When choosing a hose sucker, look for one with a coiled or hooked end. This will make it easier for you to retrieve objects that have been flushed into the toilet.

Method 2 of 3: Using Wet Vacuum

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Step 1. Remove the dry dust bag and filter if your wet vacuum cleaner has a dry dirt cleaning option

First, remove the top of the holding container. Then, follow the instructions to remove the dry dust bag and filter according to the model of the appliance. This will keep the dust bag and filter out of the water so they don't get moldy later on.

After removing the dust bag and filter, put the cover back on

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Step 2. Point the suction tip into the closet

Plug in the power cord, then turn on the appliance. After that, hold the suction hose and point the end into the toilet. Push the suction as deep as possible.

You may hear something splashing when you push the vacuum into the toilet. If so, point the suction tip at the object

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Step 3. Turn on the suction to start sucking water

Turn on the suction to suck the toilet water. Continue sucking until you hear the object splashing into the hose or until the holding tank is full.

Some wet/dry vacuum cleaners have special settings for sucking water. So, make sure you set it according to the available options

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Step 4. Check the suction tank holding tank for any splashed objects

If you hear or see the object being sucked into the suction hose, or if the holding tank is full, turn off the appliance. After that, remove the cover of the holding tank and check the contents to make sure that the dropped object has been sucked in. If it works, pick it up with your hand, a small shovel, or whatever else can reach it.

If you don't see the object in the holding tank, but believe it has been sucked in, check the suction hose. That thing could be stuck in there

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Step 5. Empty the holding tank and repeat the vacuuming process

If the object that fell has not been found, it is most likely still in the closet. To try sucking it up again, empty the water from the holding tank. After that, reinsert the hose into the toilet and turn on the suction. Continue sucking until you see or hear something enter the hose or until the holding tank is full.

You may need to repeat this process a few times before you can successfully suck up anything that has been flushed down the toilet

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Step 6. Flush the toilet to refill the water inside

Once you've managed to pick up a dropped object, flush the toilet once or twice. The bottom of the toilet will be filled with water and ready to be used again.

Method 3 of 3: Removing the Bidet to Retrieve a Flushed Object

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Step 1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet

First, look for the valve on the side, rear, or bottom of the toilet. Then, turn the valve clockwise several times until it cannot be turned. This will cut off the water supply to the toilet, make it impossible to flush, and prevent water from overflowing while you work.

If the valve is not found or cannot be turned, you will have to temporarily turn off all water in the house. Usually, you can do this by turning off the water from the control panel in the basement or in the interior of the toilet

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Step 2. Open the toilet tank cover

Most toilets are equipped with a water tank that can be opened at the back. Gently lift the cover, then place it down. This will prevent it from falling when you remove the toilet.

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Step 3. Remove all remaining water from the tank and the bottom of the toilet

Suck up all the water in the tank and the bottom of the toilet with a wet vacuum. This will prevent water from spilling or splashing onto the bathroom floor, as well as making the toilet lighter and easier to lift.

You can also use a pipette to suck water from the tank and bottom of the toilet

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Step 4. Remove the bolt or nut on the bottom of the toilet

Usually, your toilet is connected to the floor with two screws or bolts. Use a screwdriver or wrench (depending on whether your toilet has screws or bolts) to remove it. This will help you remove the toilet from the floor.

Place the toilet bolts or screws in a safe place so that the toilet can be reinstalled later

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Step 5. Disconnect the water supply hose in the tank

Look for the large bolt that connects the water hose to the toilet tank. Then, turn the bolt counterclockwise until it is released and the water hose is released.

Water hose bolts usually use large, serrated plastic bolts that are easy to grip and turn

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Step 6. Lift the toilet frame and lay it on the side

In order to be able to find objects that enter the toilet, you must place the toilet in a sideways position. To do this, grasp the side of the toilet, then slowly lift the toilet and slide it to the side. Place the toilet carefully on the floor.

Porcelain toilet bowls are usually very heavy. Therefore, you need someone's help to lull him to the side.
You may need to spread a towel or blanket on the floor to prevent the toilet from breaking when lying on the floor.

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Step 7. Peek inside the toilet for anything that was flushed

When the toilet is tilted to the floor, check its contents for any objects that have been splashed in. If the object is visible, you can pick it up by hand or other means.

The inside of the toilet may be dark. So you may need to have a flashlight ready to check.
In addition, you may also want to check the ring that runs along the bottom of the toilet. Small objects, such as jewelry, can get stuck there.

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Step 8. Put the toilet back in place

Lift the toilet and place it back in its place. Reconnect the toilet to the floor by tightening the bolts or screws at the bottom. After that, reinstall the water hose and turn the valve counterclockwise to restore the water supply. Flush the toilet once or twice to refill the tank and opening. The toilet is now ready to be used again.

Tips

If you can't retrieve a splashed item yourself, contact a professional plumber for help.
Do not use a toilet vacuum cleaner because falling objects can actually go further into the toilet.